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Non-Structural
Mitigation
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Home >> Mitigation >> Non-Structural Mitigation
CUSEC File Photo: One
effective non-structural mitigation project is securing a hot water
heater to wall studs and installing flexible gas and water supply
lines |
The
nonstructural components of a building include all portions that
are not part of the structural integrity of the building--in other
words, everything except the columns, floors, beams, etc.
Common
nonstructural components include ceilings,
windows,
office equipment, computers, inventory stored on shelves, file cabinets,
heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, chimneys
and parapets, electrical equipment, furnishings, mirrors, paintings,
lights; etc.
Typically, nonstructural items are not analyzed by engineers and
may be specified by architects, mechanical engineers (who design
HVAC systems and plumbing for larger buildings), electrical engineers,
or interior designers; or they may be purchased without the involvement
of any design professional by owners or tenants after construction
of a building. Most of the structural components of a typical building
are concealed from view by nonstructural materials.
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some instances, non-structural components of a building or home
can cause more damage than structural components. In homes,
chimneys, appliances, computers, pictures, dishes, and many other
things are commonly damaged during an earthquake. In a business,
office equipment, stored materials, filing systems, inventory, and
brick parapets can also be affected by a damaging earthquake. Look
at the links below, to see what type of non-structural mitigation
techniques
you
may be able to employ in your home or business. There are many types
of non-structural projects, remember, these are just a few. |
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